Chambers Lake

About the Lake

In 1994, the lake was formed by the construction of Hibernia Dam on Birch Run to provide a supplemental source of local drinking water, and needed flood control for the Brandywine Creek watershed. The lake also offers excellent recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, hiking and bird watching.

In September 1996, the lake was officially dedicated as Chambers Lake, in memory of J. Franklin Chambers, the first superintendent of Hibernia Park.

Lake Facts

Size: 94 acres

Deepest Area: 48 feet

Height of Dam: 64.5 feet

Length of Dam: 700 feet

Floodwater Storage Capacity: 257 million gallons

Water Supply Storage Capacity: 382 million gallons

Fishing & Boating

Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day. The lake is stocked with warm water species, including Panfish, Channel Catfish, Chain Pickerel, and Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. Chambers is one of only three Pennsylvania lakes that is a Panfish Enhancement Area, which regulates number, quality and size of panfish through minimum length limits. It is also one of a select few in the Big Bass Program. The lake is closed to bass fishing from late April to early June.

A public fishing pier is open on the lake’s north side and can be accessed from the Lake Trail. Other shoreline fishing is permitted, but is prohibited from the dam breast itself. There is a public parking lot and boat ramp located off Wagontown Road. After park hours, parking is permitted for fishing only.

Life jackets are required while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16' in length or any canoe or kayak. Visit the Fish and Boat Commission website for more information.

No gasoline powered boats or engines are permitted on the lake; only electric-powered or self-propelled boats are permitted. All watercraft must be registered with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Swimming and sailing are prohibited.

Public Boating Information

All motorized boats must have a current Pennsylvania boat registration or valid out-of-state registration. Canoes, kayaks, and any other non-motorized boats must display a current launch permit obtained either through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) or at Pennsylvania State parks.

Registration

To apply for registration, submit a PFBC boat registration application or call 866-262-8734. Applications can also be obtained at commission offices, most auto tag dealers and many state park offices.

Registration Fees*

Type of Boat

Fee

Unpowered Boats

$18

Boats under 16' in length

$26

Boats between 16'-20'

$39

Boats longer then 20'

$52

​ * Fees valid for a 2 year period, expiring March 31st of second year.

Every boat must have a sound-producing device (whistle, horn, etc.), and each occupant must have one wearable personal flotation device (PFD). Throwable seats do not count as flotation devices. Children 12 years and younger must wear a PFD at all times.

Wildlife Watching and Nature Study

Bald eagles and osprey are regular visitors, as well as migratory waterfowl and belted kingfishers. The wetlands also attract egrets, sandpipers, herons, turtles, frogs and an assortment of aquatic insects. The northern end of Chambers Lake and surrounding park area is part of a designated migratory bird sanctuary. It is closed to boating and foot traffic from April 1 to mid-June.

Hiking

The .67-mile Lake Trail winds from the lawn of Hibernia Mansion to the lake and beyond to the public campgrounds. It is wheelchair accessible. The trail includes two overlooks, an accessible fishing area and trail-side benches. No mountain bikes or horses are permitted. Dogs are permitted on a leash.

Walking, fishing, biking and horseback riding on the dam is not permitted.